a.To foster cartographic research in the country.
b.To co-operate with professional organisations of cognate disciplines and to promote academic interaction within an inter-disciplinary frame.
c. To co-operate with international organisations with similar objectives.
d.To improve the teaching of cartography at all levels.
e.To foster co-operation between Government and Quasi-Government organisations, Research Institutions for the advancement of cartography.
f. To hold a National Cartographic Conference, ordinarily, once in a year,and
g. Generally, to take such measures as may help to secure for cartography its legitimate place in national life and to strengthen among cartographers a sense of national responsibility and professional efficiency.
In order to achieve the above objectives, INCA organizes several programmes. It has so far conducted Twenty five National / International conferences at various places in India. These conferences are attended by experts from not only India but also from other countries. The conference provides an ideal platform for interaction among Professionals, Academicians, Scientists and Industrialists engaged in cartographic activities, presentation of their work and discussing important issues concerning Cartographic profession.
A technical exhibition along with a vendor presentation held along with the congress provides an ideal platform for the industry to display their state of art equipment and an opportunity to the delegates to get a glimpse into the technological developments in the field of Cartography.
Technical lectures, as a part of the Todar Mal Memorial Lecture Series and S.P.Chatterjee Memorial Lecture Series are delivered by eminent persons during the Annual Congress.
A GIS Workshop is organised by INCA every year for Professionals from Universities and Research Organisations. This workshop affords an opportunity for University Teachers and Scientists to get an insight of the latest technology in GIS.
The INCA in association with its Branches also conducts an Annual Map Quiz Program for school children, "INCA-National Map Quiz" (formerly called Geo Map Quiz), consists of both Indoor & Outdoor Map reading exercises, and is looked forward by both school teachers and students and has become one of the most prestigious program among the school children across the country. Thousands of children from various schools all over the country participate in the Map Quiz Program which has gained immense popularity over the years.
The Association publishes its in-house journal named "Indian Cartographer" which is a compilation of technical papers presented at the annual conference. These papers have earned wide acclaim for their high academic and professional standards. A news letter, highlighting the main activities, is also brought out annually.